Remains found on Old Nashville Dirt Road identified as missing 16 year old

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Remains found on Old Nashville Dirt Road earlier this month have been identified as a missing child.

The Shelbyville Police Department said that the remains have been identified as Maria Lucas Gaspar.

If you had any contact with Maria on June 29th or after, you're asked to contact Detective Brandi Merlo with the Shelbyville Police Department at 931-684-5811.

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Rhori: https://ewscripps.brightspotcdn.com/5b/25/a224d13d47739165c92b94e643db/rhori-recommends-header.png

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Lelan: https://ewscripps.brightspotcdn.com/af/54/833bf879454097a398bd44f723de/lelan-recommends.png

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Henry: https://ewscripps.brightspotcdn.com/f7/31/2e3894bf45d9a1668f1ccc56b9f6/screenshot-2026-04-15-at-12-01-00-pm.png

Katie: https://ewscripps.brightspotcdn.com/77/55/afe9375249a4b9e058e4b2c3d2ea/screenshot-2026-04-15-at-12-00-46-pm.png

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Middle Tenn. gardeners: How to handle early spring, dry weather

It's has been a dry spring for us. Nashville is over 6 inches below normal for rainfall for the year with Clarksville over a 9 inches deficit. Kim Rafferty went to a nursery to get a couple of tips that may be useful for you.

- Lelan Statom